Everyone has probably had at least one pet in their lifetime. If you have, I think we can all agree that the bond you share between you and your pet is something that can't be found in just any old friendship. So to those of you who share an undying love for your pets, I have taken it upon myself to write this thank you letter to his pet, her pet, your pet and my pet. Enjoy.

Dear animal with which I share my life,

You have made an incredible impact on my life and you probably don't even know it. You have comforted me when times have been rough, you have celebrated with me when times were grand and, overall, you have been there for me through everything. I want to thank you for your loving support and sweet encouragement.

Thank you for never judging the outfits that I wear. You never tell me I look bad; you just sit there so proudly admiring the tie I decided to wear that doesn't coordinate with any of my other pieces of clothing — not to mention it lights up when you press the button hidden in the tip. In fact, maybe that's the only reason you are admiring my outfit.

Thank you for always enjoying my cooking. I know you're not supposed to have "people food," but a little bit of bread, eggs, cheese, carrots and apples never hurt anyone.

Thank you for singing with me whenever I clean or bake or shower. While my neighbors may not appreciate your excessive howling or tweeting, I know that you and I sing a duet only fit for the Gods. I know because the God family next door came over and told me that they enjoyed our harmonies.

Thank you for allowing me to watch you for hours. I know you probably do the same thing to me when I'm not paying attention, but to watch you swim in and around your bowl or sunbathe in the light of the heat lamp is just so mesmerizing.

Thank you for smothering me with kisses, soft purrs or swimming in circles when I walk through the door at the end of the day. Seeing you become this happy little creature immediately overwhelms me with happiness no matter how long and tiring my day was.

Thank you for keeping me fit. If it wasn't for our walks through the park, I would probably be 10 pounds overweight. Not to mention you get me to be outside, even when it's 20 below zero and the snow is up to my knees.

Thank you for making me laugh. I don't know why, but your rumble strut just makes me think you're this big tough guinea pig when really you're just a lovable ball of fluff. I especially love it when you squeal and chirp when I give you bites of lettuce. I only wish I found lettuce to be that tasty.

Thank you for making me feel so loved when the plague, or, as some call it, "the common cold," strikes. I'm sorry if I have sneezed or coughed on you at some point through that time of desperation. I promise, if I could spread germs of love, that's what they would be. But truthfully I really do appreciate your need to be by my side when I'm feeling so low. When you are dreaming beside me, you remind me that this is only cold and not to dwell in the sniffles.

Thank you for being my friend. You're always there to talk to me even when I don't feel like talking. You keep all of my secrets and remember them. Only true friends will listen to you whine about your boss for hours and still have a smile on their face at the end. I can't even begin to count the number of times that I have skipped out on a night on the town because I don't want to leave you at home alone. While I consider you my friend, you also consider me yours too. I wouldn't trade our movie nights, snuggling on the couch until the wee hours of the morning for anything.

You have made me feel so whole and loved, even when I have felt so empty and alone. Thank you for being my partner in crime and the best friend I could ever imagine. It's because of you that I remember to laugh often, smile frequently and enjoy the little things.

When you are old and gray, and your time comes to leave this earth, I will miss you terribly, but I will also be so thankful that I got to spend a whole portion of my life with you.

Thank you, my pet.

Sincerely,

Not your master, but your friend